The Larousse Encyclopedia of Music – Geoffrey Hindley

The Larousse Encyclopedia of Music, edited by Geoffrey Hindley, is a monumental and richly informative reference work exploring the vast world of music across cultures, historical periods, and artistic traditions. Published in 1971 by Chancellor Press, this substantial hardcover edition (576 pages, large 8.5 × 12 inches format) is presented in English language and serves as an authoritative guide for students, collectors, musicians, and general readers interested in music history and musical culture.

This encyclopedic volume provides an expansive overview of music from ancient times to the modern era, examining composers, musical movements, instruments, theory, opera, orchestral traditions, folk music, and global musical developments.

One of the defining strengths of this publication is its broad scope and reference-style organization, making it both educational and highly useful as a long-term music resource.

The book includes:

• Historical surveys of Western and world music
• Biographies of influential composers and musicians
• Explanations of musical forms, theory, and terminology
• Discussions of orchestras, opera, instruments, and performance traditions
• Illustrations, photographs, and musical references

• Johann Sebastian Bach
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
• Ludwig van Beethoven
• Richard Wagner
• Igor Stravinsky

Thematically, the encyclopedia explores:

• The evolution of classical and modern music
• Musical styles and historical movements
• The relationship between music and culture
• The development of instruments and orchestration
• Opera, choral music, and symphonic traditions

The large-format design (8.5 × 12 inches) enhances readability and allows space for illustrations, reference material, and detailed historical information.

• music encyclopedia
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• illustrated music reference

The writing style is scholarly, informative, and reference-oriented, making it especially suitable for researchers, students, musicians, and collectors.

Chancellor Press is known for producing elegant illustrated reference books, and this edition reflects strong editorial quality and durable hardcover presentation.

As a 1971 hardcover edition, this volume carries significant vintage and collector appeal, particularly for lovers of music history and classic encyclopedic publications.

The Larousse Encyclopedia of Music is more than a reference book—it is a comprehensive exploration of humanity’s musical heritage, offering readers a deep and fascinating understanding of music’s development across centuries and cultures.

• ✦ Editor: Geoffrey Hindley
• ✦ Publisher: Chancellor Press, 1971 Edition
• ✦ Format: Hardcover, 576 pages
• ✦ Size: 8.5 × 12 inches – large reference format
• ✦ Language: English 🇬🇧
• ✦ Genre: Music / Non-Fiction / Reference
• ✦ Content: Music history, biographies, theory, illustrations
• ✦ Themes: Classical music, composers, instruments, culture
• ✦ Writing Style: Scholarly and encyclopedic
• ✦ Visual Quality: Illustrated reference material
• ✦ Ideal For: Researchers, musicians, collectors, students
• ✦ ⭐ Collector Value: Vintage music encyclopedia

🔹 Collector’s Note

This 1971 hardcover edition of The Larousse Encyclopedia of Music is a valuable collectible for music enthusiasts and historians. Its comprehensive scope, elegant presentation, and encyclopedic depth make it an outstanding addition to collections focused on music history, classical studies, and vintage reference publications.